Karakorum and Naadam Horseback Riding Tour - 13 Day of Fun

Trek through Mongolia and the Remains of the Mongol Empire - On this two-week adventure, you can experience the nomadic life. Ride through valleys and mountains to reach a beautiful monastery and natural reserve; then ride to the archaeological ruins of Karakorum, the capital of 13th century Genghis Khan's Great Mongol Empire.

Whether you have ridden before or not, our staffs will help make your experience an enjoyable one. The best time to ride here is July to September when the horses are at their best.

After that you can attend a local naadam festival with activities such as archery and enjoy an authentic Mongolian barbecue. Horseback riding is a way of life in Mongolia and one of the most popular outdoor pursuits for visitors. Come visit us and see just how much fun a person can have on horseback!

The Mongol horse is a native breed of horses from Mongolia. Allegedly the breed is mostly unchanged from Genghis Khan's time. If you would like to go horseback riding in Mongolia, you can do so by either signing up for a riding tour, renting a horse or even buying your own horse. Mongolian families often sell horses that they do not have much utility for. But it is recommended to book an organized riding tour. Read more..

Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia. You'll be greeted at the airport and escorted to 4* hotel. After lunch, take a half-day city tour including a visit to National Museum of Mongolian History, where you will see artifacts from Mongolia and Central Asia from the Stone Age to the present and an excursion to the Zaisan Hill War Memorial to get your bearings with a panoramic view of the whole city. Overnight in the hotel. (L+D)

July 02. Hotont soum of Arkhangai aimag

Today's destination is Hotont soum of Arkhangai aimag. You will meet your horse guide and get prepared for the trip. Overnight in tourist ger camp (B+L+D)

July 03-05. Horseback riding in Arkhangai aimag, central Mongolia

Begin the horseback riding trip in the territory of Arkhangai aimag. Your horse guide will accompany you to give you the chance to discover the life and food of the nomads. Stay overnights in tent camp and Ger camp. (B+L+D)

July 06-07. Horseback ride to Orkhon waterfall

Continue on the trip to Orkhon waterfall. In the beginning, the terrain will be wide open valleys to mountain, rivers and then changing to Forest Mountain and 20m wonderful waterfall. Visit the family of a horseman. You are free to taste the favorite beverage of the nomads - airag, fermented mare's milk. Stay overnights in Ger camp and tent. (B+L+D)

July 08. Ride to Tuvkhun monastery

Today we will ride to Tuvkhun monastery, which is one of the most beautiful monastery complexes, situated on forest rocky mountain. temple) will be quite interesting spot - by walking. Overnight in tourist Ger camp. (B+L+D)

July 09. Karakorum and Erdenzuu

Today's destination is the symbolic ruins of Karakorum, which was the capital city of Great Mongol Empire founded in the 13th century by Genghis Khan. You will also visit the oldest Monastery Erdene-Zuu built in 1586, with 108 stupas. Overnight in tourist camp near Orkhon River (B+L+D)

July 10. Naadam festival in the countryside

Naadam festival is the best way to see why Mongolia is a land of horse and its culture. We will enjoy the local Naadam Festival including wrestling, horse racing, archery and traditional games. (B+L+D)

July 11. Local Naadam festival and Hustai Nature Reserve

After half day of Naadam, we will drive to Hustai National Park to see wild Takhi, the Asian wild horse. Enjoy small hiking and photographing the charming landscape and wildlife. Visit Takhi's small museum and overnight in tourist camp. (B+L+D)

July 12. Ulaanbaatar and city tour options

Drive back to Ulaanbaatar. A chance to enjoy main Naadam festival in Ulaanbaatar. In the afternoon, you may wish to do some shopping for souvenirs and cashmeres before attending the evening concert of National Folklore. Overnight in the hotel. (B+L+D)

July 13. Departure Mongolia

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport. (B)

B - Breakfast L - Lunch D - Dinner

Tour Information

The best time to make this trip: May to September is the best season, with the peak season in July for the Naadam Festival. July and August are also the wettest months of the year, but be assured; our climate is such that you will still have many sunny days at this time. The best time to horse trekking in Mongolia is June to October when the horses are at their best.

Accommodation: We believe that comfortable, welcoming accommodation is vital to the enjoyment of your trip. You will be stay in a standard 3-4 star hotel in Ulaanbaatar and a tourist ger camp (traditional dwelling) with currency (220V), shower and other useful services (2 or 4 people per ger) in the countryside. All accommodation offered by Discover Mongolia is personally checked by our staff to ensure high standards.

Meals: In Ulaanbaatar, you will be dining at fine European and Asian cuisine restaurants. Mutton, beef, rice and noodles form the basis of the Mongolian diet, so your meals will be based around this. However, the trail rations may include vegetables, eggs, peanut butter, cheese and sometimes yak! On some days there will be lunchboxes from tourist camps. It is good food and our experience has been that guests are happy with this arrangement. Please let us know in advance if you are a vegetarian. Alcohol is not provided on the trip but tourists are free to bring their own.

Transport: Discover Mongolia use the highest level, latest model, air-conditioned private vans or 4WD vehicles for the maximum comfort on your touring days. A day's drive in the countryside will be approx 200-250km.

Guide: An English speaking Mongolian guide will accompany the group at all times. The guide will be a native Mongolian person with great local knowledge who can deal with any requests and ensure that your holiday to become one of the most unforgettable experiences of your life.

Personal things to bring with you: Warm thin layers of clothing are the best such as bring a waterproof jacket, sandals and a hat and headscarf to protect you from the sun and winds. Don't forgot insect repellent, sun cream, lip-gloss and first aid kit (medicine for headache, cold, diarrhea, runny nose; bandages; any medicine prescribed for you ). All your camera equipment.

Dates & Price

2014 Dates

Price

Enquiry

July 01-13 (Included Naadam Festival)

US$2145

2015 Dates

Price

Enquiry

July 01-13 (Included Naadam Festival)

US$2145

Rider RequirementsRiders must be 10 and over - under 65 years of age (unless prior approval), weight limit is 220 pounds, and no pregnant rider; we screen for any health conditions that might be affected by the 8,000 ft.
elevation (heart, lungs, elevation sickness, sun etc.

Services included in the price

Hotel:Hotel is based on two people sharing one room with twin beds at 4 star hotel
2 nights including Western or Mongolian breakfast
Free luggage keeping in the hotel while on tour to countryside

Tourist Ger camp:Shared accommodation in tourist ger camp Ger (traditional dwelling) has 2 to 4 beds - very interesting and unique Western style toilets and hot shower facility is separate block - shared The restaurant serve usually Western and Mongolian meals Single supplement cannot be guaranteed but possible Click here to see picture of the tourist ger camp

Tent:2 person in per tent, camping equipments.

Transportation:Horse

Private Transfers on each day:Air conditioned and comfortable Mitsubishi Delica 4x4 off road van Highly skilled driver Airports pick up and drop off service Allow only 4 passengers for 5 passenger seats - Your comfort is our priority! Click here to view picture of the vehicles that we use for our tours.

Guides:English speaking guiding service throughout the entire time Local guides for horse and camel ride trials

Meals: All meals as listed in the itinerary Finest Western and Mongolian meals, deserts Authentic Mongolian Barbecue Daily supply of bottled water: 3 x 0.5 bottle per day

"Hi Oyuna.
I'd have to say we had a great tour, really with no problems at all, we had a great driver Zorigo & Boggi was an excellent guide. In my view Boggi really made the difference with her friendly, outgoing & obliging manner & I'd like to commend her to your manager and advise what a real asset you have in her.
Please give our best regards to Boggi & Zorigo and thanks to all for a great tour !!
Cheers

Pat from USA. 2012 July

"Sain baina uu,
We had such a good time on our ride when we were in Mongolia 7/7/12. Thought I'd send you some pictures of us and the horses and the great views. We will definitely contact you before we come next July and join another ride."

Most sincerely, Lisa Pearl from USA. 2011 Sep

"Dear Oyunaa,
We had a lovely tour with Dawa and Nanida. We enjoyed every minute of their company. Dawa was very knowledgeable and gave us a meaningful appreciation for Mongolian history, culture, and land. I wonder if you could pass along this email to her because I never got to thank her in person. I got rushed into our hotel to confirm our reservation. "

Anna and Tomislav from Sweden 2010 Oct

"Dear Tuvshinbat,
We are working a lot since we came back from Mongolia, so we don't have time even to see all the amazing photos we made there. Anyway we would like to thank you one more time for everything you did for us, and for wonderful time you helped us to have in you're country. It was unique experience, Mongolia is a beautiful place, one of the best holidays we had so far, and we would definitely like to visit it again and see and learn more. We are a big commercial for you, and i hope more people will come and share our experience.
And we would also like to express our gratitude for the two lovely people we meet at the station, and whiteout whom we will be probably lost in the mountain or at the black market. :) Ms. Boloroo and you're friend Mr. Sugar are excellent guides and friends.
I hope we will be back and next time we'll meet you as well, and we wish you all the best.